Client view

"We decided we wished to diversify and invest our commercial property fund into the residential letting market. We were recommended to approach FK who helped us to understand the market and drew up a strategy for investment. With their help we have bought a mixed portfolio at keen prices that have been continuously let and managed by FK."David Boreham, Oxford

Case studies - residential property bought for clients

A current client had sold a property abroad and was looking to invest in Oxford, specifically in the Summertown area. They wanted it to be a freehold property.

Acquisition:

We acquired this 5 bedroom, 3 bathroom new build family home, situated on Water Eaton Road with rear mooring.

Our rationale & service:

The property had been on the market for some time, meaning we were in a strong negotiating position. After lengthy discussions with the developer we managed to secure the property with a substantially reduced price from what it was marketed at. We collected the keys on Friday and by the Monday we had let the property for £3500pcm.

Result:

Achieving a property of this size in Summertown for the price we agreed is rare, the landlord is achieving a good return, but is instantly achieving capital gain.

Islip House in Summertown

Brief description:

A client wanted to invest funds from a house sale into a portfolio of properties with a focus on yield and long term capital growth.

Acquisition:

An existing client wanted to sell this small development in the centre of Bicester, it consists of two 1 bedroom properties and one 2 bedroom property. The development is less than 5 years old, with allocated parking and within 5 minutes walk for both Bicester Village train station (connecting to London Marylebone and Oxford) and Bicester Village retail centre.

Our rationale & service:

The development was sold in one transaction, all three dwellings had tenants in situ, and so on the day of completion the landlord was earning 5.3% return. The client selling was also achieving rent up to the completion date. Bicester is a key area of growth in Oxfordshire, it's important that what you purchase holds its value. In general terms something that is unique and in a great location for local employment will ensure this happens.

Result:

Client purchased a unique development with tenants in situ, and an over gross yield of 5.3%.

A development in Bicester

Brief description:

A large scale investor wanted to secure a development.

Acquisition:

A development of 7 apartments, all with allocated parking and electric hook up for electric cars.

Our rationale & service:

This scheme was purchased off-plan 18 months prior to completion. The properties never hit the open market. The client also was able to have some influence in unit sizes, specification and finish. We added the electric charging points for each car parking space as the advanced technology is something that tenants are looking for.

Result:

The prices of the individual apartments had increased in the 18 months from the agreed sale and completion. The investor also has the added benefit of owning the freehold of the properties. Due to our connection with local development companies this is an option we can provide to those high net worth investors.

Property in Kidlington

Brief:

An existing client had heard about the launch of the Westgate and asked if we might be able to help them with the acquisition, due to the amount of demand for the development.

Acquisition:

The redevelopment of the Westgate in Oxford city centre has been long awaited, and with it they built 59 apartments. We were able to get our investor involved with a pre-launch event where we secured 7 of the apartments off plan at reduced prices.

Our rationale & service:

The location of this development means that it's a rare opportunity. The apartments are in the centre of Oxford, this will ensure that they hold their price and demand for rental.

Result:

Due to our connections within the Oxford property market we were able to ensure that this investor secured the apartments they wanted at a reduced price, where demand was extremely high. By the time completion came around the sale price had increased by up to £19,000 per apartment.

Westgate property in Central Oxford

Brief description:

An extension of a current landlord's portfolio, we successfully helped them acquire 2 properties and they wanted a 3rd property.

Acquisition:

Venneit Close is a development a few minutes' walk from Oxford train station. We matched this investor with an existing client who was selling the apartment. The property had recently had a furniture upgrade by our furnishing division, Decorum Interiors, and bathroom/en-suite upgrade by our building division, Bricks & Mortar.

Our rationale & service:

Oxford train station is going to be redeveloped in the upcoming years. This was a reasonably priced apartment within walking distance of the station and the city centre. The property rents consistently to professional tenants, who enjoy the location and the fact they are also able to access walks along the canal.

Result:

We have actually sold 2 apartments in this development now. They have a strong yield, and great potential for capital growth, due to future infrastructure links.

Venneit Close in Central Oxford

Brief description:

This current client of the North Oxford office mentioned that she had sold a property in Scotland, and was thinking of re-investing the funds. We met up and conducted a search day, it was clear from her brief she was looking for a new build property in the Oxford area.

Acquisition:

Due to the amount of new-build happening in Oxfordshire we always look for a more unique development with added selling points. In this case we chose a 3 bedroom house in the village of Kings Sutton just outside of Banbury.

Our rationale & service:

The development only had 30 units, with the developer being smaller and more accountable. The standard of finish was also high, with underfloor heating and granite worktops as standard. Kings Sutton train station offers direct trains to London and Oxford, offering village life within an easy commute making this property very viable for many tenants.

Result:

The property was purchased off-plan and in the six months between then and build completion the house price had increased by £20,000.